Shea, RSM, Sr. Ellen Mary
Sister Ellen Mary Shea, RSM, (formerly Sister Maria Raymond), died peacefully on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 in the Baggot Street Community, Saint Mary Home, West Hartford, CT. Born in Hartford, CT on February 21, 1941 to the late William B. and Frances (Henson), she entered the Sisters of Mercy on August 30, 1959 following her graduation from high school. Attracted to the Sisters of Mercy by their service to those in need and commitment to empowering people through education, Sister Ellen clearly grasped the opportunity to extend the classroom beyond its walls. To Sister Ellen, the most valuable skill is listening and the most important quality of life is valuing and understanding the human experience, which differs from person to person.
After earning a B.A. in Education from the Diocesan Sisters' College, Madison in 1963, Sister Ellen received an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, (1978).
As an elementary school teacher in CT Catholic schools, Sister Ellen was noted for her ability to identify students suffering loneliness, guilt and grief caused by a change in their family structure through death, divorce or separation. Recognizing the magnitude of social needs among these students, Sister Ellen introduced a formal intervention program – Rainbows – and trained educators to facilitate the sessions. Integrating the needs of single parents with the needs of their children, Sister Ellen served as Coordinator of the Ministry to Separated and Divorced Catholics in the Archdiocese of Hartford.
As a teacher, counselor, confidant, and educational consultant, Sister Ellen has brought hope, acceptance, and self esteem to countless individuals who were suffering in isolation.
Known for her approachable manner, warm smile, pride in her Irish heritage and love of life, Sister Ellen left her footprints on the hearts of those she supported. Having retired to Saint Mary Home in June, 2019, Sister Ellen enjoyed visits from friends, cheering the Uconn Women's Basketball Team to victory, reading, and continuing her prayerful support of those in need. Predeceased by her parents and her aunt, Sister Eleanor Marie, RSM, Sister Ellen is survived by her sister, Mary Elizabeth Shea; her cousin Alice Egan and Alice's husband Bob; many additional loving cousins; the Sisters of Mercy; and her close friends - Mary Morgan Wolff, Georgeann Vumbaco, RSM, Ellen Flynn, RSM, and Beth Fischer, RSM.
The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the Saint Mary Home staff for their compassionate care provided to Sister Ellen.
Sister Ellen's Wake and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 3 at Saint Mark the Evangelist Church, 467 South Quaker Lane, West Hartford. The
wake will be from 11 a.m. – 12 noon, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon. Burial will follow Mass in Saint Mary Cemetery, 2021 Albany Ave, West Hartford. Masks should be worn during the services.
You are asked to consider donations in Sister Ellen's memory to the Sisters of Mercy, 25 Prescott Street, 1st floor, West Hartford, CT 06110. Online condolences may be made at www.sheehanhilbornbreen.com